Euthanasia and the Path Toward Nirvana

In “Killing, Karma, and Caring” Damien and John Keown write for Buddhists, “the intentional hastening of death, is, however, morally unacceptable in all circumstances.” This is based on the Buddhist belief in the sanctity of life, which is based not in its divine origin, but rather its spiritual destiny, which is the achievement of the final perfect state of nirvana. I will argue that this understanding of the sanctity of life should support Buddhist acceptance of euthanasia as a morally acceptable medical practice for terminally ill patients.

First, if a patient’s spiritual destiny is achieving nirvana, acting in such a way that would lead an individual to such a state is impossible when a patient is comatose with little hope of recovering. In this instance, euthanasia seems to be the most compassionate option, as it gives the patient the opportunity to achieve nirvana in another state. My Buddhist opponent will likely respond that achieving human rebirth is rare, and that throwing it away through euthanasia is a mistake. While this belief is legitimate for a Buddhist, I still would say that in this case where a patient would seek to speed up death, the chance to achieve the higher state of nirvana appears to be non-existent for a patient confined to a hospital bed and ventilator.

Second, I believe that in areas such as Thailand, where medical care is incredibly expensive, euthanasia is the most compassionate decision a patient can make for his community. I believe that a terminally ill living in such a place where the financial burden of sustaining his life is so daunting to his community or family, that surrendering one’s life is the best way to further his spiritual progress. Giving up one’s life in this case is the ultimate compassionate sacrifice for one’s community and family, and should be recognized by Buddhists as an action of a spiritually enlightened individual.